Has anyone shopped from Maiko Tea? What did you like about their teas and do you have recommendations? They seem to have some reasonably priced gyokuros and I was wondering if they are any good. What about tea shop Horaido? So far I've shopped from O-cha and Hibiki-an. I like to order directly from Japan, since there is no sense ordering japanese tea to Finland from USA-based companies.

I have ordered couple of times from Maiko without any problems. I could recommend their 'shupping sencha' as it was quite good (If I remeber correctly).

I have also good experiences with Horaido. I have ordered some tea ware and tea from there. But if you do not like to send your cc-number by email, you should have a fax machine. From their selection I would recommed their Seiryu-sencha as it is very good for the price (and their unlined tetsubins too).

One more Japanese shop to add to your list is Kaburagien. I also recommend using a fax with them as their webshop is not secured with https.

And do not forget Ippodo. Also no problems with my orders from them - my current sencha pots are from their catalog.

BonBon wrote:How is the quality of Ippodo? Their prices look a little steep, but is the quality worth it? Or am I better off going with O-Cha.com or another vendor?

I have only tasted their houjicha and their top sencha so far (I have some matcha and gyokuro in my fridge that I will open soon). Nice leaves, no dust, clear taste, perhaps less intense than o-cha's, but o-cha's sencha is more steamed than ippodo...

BonBon wrote:How is the quality of Ippodo? Their prices look a little steep, but is the quality worth it? Or am I better off going with O-Cha.com or another vendor?

I have only tasted their houjicha and their top sencha so far (I have some matcha and gyokuro in my fridge that I will open soon). Nice leaves, no dust, clear taste, perhaps less intense than o-cha's, but o-cha's sencha is more steamed than ippodo...

Both Maiko and Ippodo seem to be more traditional in their sencha offerings, another words, less steamed Asamushi cha style. Thus their leaf is particularly nice in appearance. O-Cha is much more "American" offering the more Fukamushi cha (deep steamed) or Chumushi cha (mid steamed). All have their merits. Most times, I seem to more crave a more steamed version.

Chip wrote:Maiko and Ippodo can be pretty steep as far as shipping is concerned.

Maiko offers EMS as the default shipping method but it's possible to choose regular airmail (which is what many other firms use) and that's not expensive.

Choosing anything but EMS shipping with Maiko...they will not guarantee safe and secure arrival of your package. I am getting some teaware from them and the shipping has prevented me from finalizing the order.